Lakers stumble in OT, fall to Bulls 102-100

The Bulls' Taj Gibson, right, is congratulated by teammate Joakim Noah after making the winning shot in overtime to beat the Lakers 102-100 Monday in Chicago. PAUL BEATY, AP

CHICAGO – Pau Gasol’s back was slightly turned. Manny Harris, in just his third game with the Lakers, was pinned on the wrong side of Taj Gibson.

“It happened so fast,” Harris said, “but we all did what we were told.”

Gasol stood stunned under the basket, then looked up to make sure. No time was left on the clock, the Lakers had just let another game slip away. Gibson scored on an inbounds play with nine-tenths of a second remaining in overtime, giving the Chicago Bulls a 102-100 win over the Lakers in front of 21,626 at United Center.

“You don’t lose a play in one play,” Gasol said, “but to lose a game like that, with a layup, still hurts.”

Playing in their fourth game in a season-long seven-game trip, the Lakers (16-26) were headed toward their third straight win thanks to Nick Young’s best performance as a Laker. He finished with 31 points on 11-of-23 shooting, but his night will be best remembered for two plays.

His 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds left in regulation missed, but he drew a foul on Bulls center Joakim Noah with his unpredictable jump shot motion and made all three free throws to send the Lakers to overtime for the first time this season.

After the Bulls rallied from a 98-93 deficit in overtime, it was Young who nailed a baseline jumper to tie the game at 100 with 6 seconds remaining.

Pau Gasol added 20 points, 19 rebounds and 5 blocks, but two of his five turnovers came in overtime. The Lakers committed 22 turnovers, leading to 25 points for the Bulls (20-20).

Young’s performance came on the heels of a 29-point outburst Sunday in Toronto, giving him 60 points in two games since being suspended for an altercation in Phoenix.

But instead of Young carrying his team to a win, it was his former USC teammate, Gibson, who had the final say.

The Bulls’ reserve forward finished with 12 points, while D.J. Augustin led Chicago with 27 points, including a 3-pointer with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 90.

The Lakers trailed by eight in the first half before coming back to take a 72-69 lead going into the fourth quarter.

In a game that saw 23 lead changes and 14 ties, it was fitting it came down to the final possession.

“That was a heck of a play,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said, “and we just jumped at the wrong time.”

The Bulls' Taj Gibson, right, is congratulated by teammate Joakim Noah after making the winning shot in overtime to beat the Lakers 102-100 Monday in Chicago. PAUL BEATY, AP
Taj Gibson of the Bulls grabs the ball away from Pau Gasol of the Lakers at the United Center. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Lakers' Nick Young watches the replay board of the final shot to see if the Bulls won the game in overtime at the United Center on Monday. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Bulls' Taj Gibson puts in a shot between the defensive efforts of Lakers Robert Sacre, left, and Jordan Hill on Monday. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Lakers' Nick Young goes up for a shot against the Bulls' Jimmy Butler during overtime. PAUL BEATY, AP
The Bulls' Taj Gibson blocks the path of the Lakers' Nick Young. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
Jordan Hill of the Lakers looses the ball after being fouled by Taj Gibson of the Bulls at the United Center on Monday. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Lakers' Pau Gasol passes the ball under pressure from the Bulls' Joakim Noah, left, and Jimmy Butler. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Lakers' Pau Gasol leaps for a rebound over the Bulls' Carlos Boozer, left, and Mike Dunleavy. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
Nick Young of the Lakers puts up a shot against the Bulls at the United Center on Monday. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Bulls' Jimmy Butler tries to get between Lakers defenders Manny Harris, left, and Robert Sacre. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
Taj Gibson of the Bulls shoots over Jordan Hill of the Lakers. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES
The Bulls' Joakim Noah dunks over the Lakers' Ryan Kelly. JONATHAN DANIEL, GETTY IMAGES

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.